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Canadian cyclist Derek Gee stated publicly he is confronting a substantial damages claim amounting to 30 million euros by his previous squad, Israel-Premier Tech. This follows his decision to end his contract based on what he called "deeply held convictions."

Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons

The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I terminated my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.

He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed a broken relationship with the team principal, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors deeply affected his conscience, he added.

Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings

Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to comment regarding this issue as the case is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for their input.

Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but added this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing for the team.

Massive Claim and Team Changes

"I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I now confront what is described as a financial demand said to exceed approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person."

He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.

The basis is uncertain what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.

Separately, the team announced on Monday that they will undertake a complete rebranding starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.